A POSITIVE BET:

Embracing Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the idea that a company should play a positive role in the community and consider all business decisions' environmental and social impact. The concept of CSR has become incredibly popular over the years, challenging the business world to be active contributors to the well-being of society and the environment. The entertainment industry is no different. Casinos like Harrah’ Ak-Chin Casino are demonstrating their commitment to CSR and showing how ethical considerations and community support can thrive even in the gambling world.

Promote Responsible Gambling

A cornerstone of casino CSR efforts revolves around responsible gambling initiatives. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s management partner Caesars Entertainment has simple and unequivocal goals regarding responsible gambling. While the organization wants everyone visiting the property to have fun, they are also prepared to recognize and support guests struggling with excessive gambling. The casino fosters a healthier gambling culture by taking proactive measures like implementing selfexclusion programs, setting betting limits, and providing resources for those seeking assistance with gambling addiction.

Community Engagement and Empowerment

Successful CSR initiatives extend beyond the casino floor and reach the heart of the surrounding communities. Harrah’s AkChin Casino’s HERO program is a team member-based volunteer program in which Harrah's staff and their families make noteworthy and visible contributions by donating their time, skills, expertise, and compassion to dozens of nonprofits and volunteer projects throughout the community. The casino also collaborates and supports nonprofit partners and charitable causes that align with the organization's values. The casino strengthens ties with residents and creates a positive legacy beyond casino operations by actively supporting and participating in local community efforts.

“The HERO program has allowed our casino and our employees to support meaningful causes near and dear to our hearts,” says HERO Committee Chair Barbara Achten. "Our CSR initiatives foster a culture of team-building and employee engagement that helps them connect more personally. I'm proud to be a part of the effort."

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is another vital aspect of casino CSR. By integrating sustainable practices, casinos contribute to the fight against climate change and set an example for others in the entertainment space to follow.

Environmental stewardship is an essential pillar of Harrah's AkChin Casino's Code of Commitment, as the property recognizes the importance of being responsible stewards of the environment. The CodeGreen committee ensures the property demonstrates its energy conservation and environmental sustainability leadership.

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino CodeGreen Chair April Stovall says, “Our Code of Commitment is a public pledge to employees, guests and the community-at-large that our organization will consistently explore and implement new ways to reduce the environmental footprint.”

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Many of the property’s initiatives are inspired by the Ak Indian Community's deep roots in farming, agriculture and passion for protecting and sustaining land, air and water. In addition to its focus on reducing the property's carbon footprint, efforts also focus on energy savings, water consumption, and recycling.

Among the many ways Harrah’s Ak-Chin is committed to sustainability include:

•Investing in sustainable practices that increase energy efficiency and water conservation;

•Commitment to measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; and

•Promoting recycling and waste reduction throughout the property, including the casino, hotel and restaurants.

Employee Welfare and Development

A responsible casino extends its CSR efforts to its employees. Ensuring fair wages, providing a safe and inclusive work environment, and offering opportunities for professional growth are crucial components of an employee-centered CSR approach. This not only enhances job satisfaction and productivity but also contributes to the overall economic prosperity of the community. One of the ways Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino supports its employees is through the SAVVY and SALUTE Business Impact Groups (BIG).

SAVVY is a BIG focused on women's empowerment, support, and advancement within the company. The SAVVY BIG is for team members and their peer supporters who have common goals and are committed to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino’s diversity and inclusion strategy.

The SALUTE BIG actively seeks to bring together team members who are Veterans and Veteran allies who embrace the core values of duty, honor and selfless service. The purpose is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture through grassroots efforts to assist Veterans in various ways, including fundraisers, donation drives and volunteer opportunities.

The goals of each BIG are to:

•Promote cultural awareness and education;

•Develop team members personally and professionally;

•Drive innovation and strategic business initiatives;

•Support diverse team member recruitment and retention; and

•Foster a positive company image in our communities.

Transparency and Accountability

For a casino to be genuinely committed to CSR, transparency and accountability are paramount. Publicly disclosing CSR efforts, including economic impact and societal contributions, are essential for promoting authenticity and credibility. Each year, Caesars Entertainment and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino release a Market Summary Sheet that discloses the footprint, community engagement effort, economic impact and societal contributions.

While casinos are a place of entertainment, organizations like Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino also acknowledge their role in society beyond entertainment and monetary gains. By embracing Corporate Social Responsibility, casinos actively contribute to the well-being of their patrons, employees, and communities while reducing their environmental impact. Through these efforts, casinos showcase that they can play a positive role in society while offering an exciting and enjoyable experience. As more casinos embrace CSR, they are redefining the industry and demonstrating that a responsible bet can be the most rewarding.